The Government of Japan has signed a grant agreement with Seibo Maria, a Mzimba-based organisation, valued at USD 96,619 (about K166 million), to support the construction of school kitchens in primary schools as part of efforts to strengthen school feeding programmes and improve learner retention.
The grant signing ceremony took place on Tuesday at the Embassy of Japan offices in Lilongwe.
Speaking during the ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to Malawi, Yasushi Naito, said the project, funded under the Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects, will support the construction of three school kitchens in Mzimba District.
“The Government of Japan is proud to support Seibo Maria to improve students’ nutritional status, enhance school attendance and learning outcomes,” Naito said.
He said poverty remains one of the major causes of school dropouts, as many learners attend classes on empty stomachs and fail to concentrate, adding that the project targets Machelecheta, Chabere and Kanyerere primary schools, where provision of school meals has been a challenge.
Naito said education and nutrition remain priority areas under Malawi’s 2063 agenda.
“Providing food to learners helps prevent dropouts and enables children to concentrate and work hard. This is very important for the growth of the country,” he said.
Mzimba South Principal Education Officer, Epimack Lwanja, said the school feeding programme implemented by Seibo Maria has significantly improved enrolment, attendance and performance in the district.
“Enrolment has increased, with about 18,000 learners now benefiting from the programme. We have also seen improved punctuality among learners and teachers, reduced absenteeism and better health status,” Lwanja said.
He added that the modern kitchens will promote hygiene and durability, assuring that the council will take care of the facilities to ensure continued benefits.
Director of Inclusive Education and School Health and Nutrition in the Ministry of Education, Virginia Kachigunda, said the grant is critical to the sustainability of School Feeding Programmes in Malawi.
“School feeding is an investment in the future of Malawi. It supports cognitive development and improves learning outcomes,” she said.
Kachigunda said lack of resources, including proper kitchens, has compromised hygiene in some schools, affecting the quality of meals.
“That is why we are grateful for this support, which will help address hygiene challenges and strengthen school feeding delivery,” she said.
Seibo Maria Programmes Manager, Victor Mthulo, said the grant will improve the quality and safety of the organisation’s feeding programme.
“This support will enhance hygiene and provide safe, well-built kitchens that meet government guidelines and protect the health of volunteer cooks,” Mthulo said.
He said Seibo Maria currently feeds about 18,000 learners in 12 primary schools in Mzimba, noting that school feeding has become a major factor in attracting learners to school and improving attendance.
